Prime Minister David Cameron will chair a meeting of the National Security Council today as tension in the region intensifies.

Following a formal private meeting of the UN Security Council on the developing situation, Grant said: "I utterly condemn rocket attacks from Gaza into southern Israel, which threaten Israeli civilians and risk precipitating another crisis in Gaza.

"My government understands the intolerable situation for civilians in southern Israel. They have the right to live without fear of attack from Gaza.

"We urge Israel to act in a way that de-escalates tension and which increases the prospects for both sides to live in peace.

"We call on all those involved to avoid any action which risks civilian casualties, and deeply regret civilian casualties that have already taken place.

"And we are gravely concerned about the prospect of a spiral of violence. An escalation would be in no one's interest."

Explosion and smoke rise following an Israeli air strike in the northern Gaza Strip

The Israeli ambassador said the strikes were launched after days of rocket fire out of Gaza and Israel had a right to defend itself.

On Wednesday Hamas said that Israel will "pay a high price" for the attack, while Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, the military arm of the group, posted a message on its Twitter profile warning that the strike had opened the gates of hell.

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GRAPHIC WARNING: Israel And Gaza Tensions

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Zaka volunteers and rescue personnel carry the plastic wrapped body of a victim from an apartment building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, where three people were killed in Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel, Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed three Israelis on Thursday in a rocket attack liable to deepen a bruising Israeli air, naval and artillery offensive against Palestinian rocket squads. The casualties were the first in Israel since it launched its operation on Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas top military commander. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

People run to a safe place, as siren sounds warn for incoming rockets from the Gaza Strip, near the building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, where three people were killed in Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel, Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed three Israelis on Thursday in a rocket attack liable to deepen a bruising Israeli air, naval and artillery offensive against Palestinian rocket squads. The casualties were the first in Israel since it launched its operation on Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas top military commander. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Blood stains on a shoe and on a shirt in apartment in a building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, where three people were killed in Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel, Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed three Israelis on Thursday in a rocket attack liable to deepen a bruising Israeli air, naval and artillery offensive against Palestinian rocket squads. The casualties were the first in Israel since it launched its operation on Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas top military commander. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

A Zaka volunteers clean blood stains from a children's room in an apartment in a building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, where three people were killed in Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel, Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed three Israelis on Thursday in a rocket attack liable to deepen a bruising Israeli air, naval and artillery offensive against Palestinian rocket squads. The casualties were the first in Israel since it launched its operation on Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas top military commander. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Zaka volunteers clean blood stains from a children's room in apartment building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, where three people were killed in Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel, Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed three Israelis on Thursday in a rocket attack liable to deepen a bruising Israeli air, naval and artillery offensive against Palestinian rocket squads. The casualties were the first in Israel since it launched its operation on Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas top military commander. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Zaka volunteers clean blood stains from a pillow and a baby toy in a children's room in apartment building that was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, where three people were killed in Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel, Kiryat Malachi, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed three Israelis on Thursday in a rocket attack liable to deepen a bruising Israeli air, naval and artillery offensive against Palestinian rocket squads. The casualties were the first in Israel since it launched its operation on Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas top military commander. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israeli Zaka emergency services volunteers clean human remains from a house hit by a rocket fired by Palestinian militants killing 3 people in southern city of Kiryat Malahi on November 15, 2012. The attack on Kiryat Malachi was claimed by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades in a statement on its website as tensions escalated between Israel and Gaza after the Israeli military carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas on November 14. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Israeli Zaka emergency services volunteers wheel the body of an Israeli killed when a house was hit by a rocket fired by Palestinian militants into an ambulance in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Malahi on November 15, 2012. The attack on Kiryat Malachi was claimed by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades in a statement on its website as tensions escalated between Israel and Gaza after the Israeli military carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas on November 14. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Israeli Zaka emergency services volunteers clean human remains from a house hit by a rocket fired by Palestinian militants killing 3 people in southern city of Kiryat Malahi on November 15, 2012. The attack on Kiryat Malachi was claimed by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades in a statement on its website as tensions escalated between Israel and Gaza after the Israeli military carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas on November 14. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the northern Gaza Strip, seen from the Israel Gaza Border, southern Israel,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israeli Zaka emergency services volunteers carry out a dead body from a house hit by a rocket fired by Palestinian militants killing 3 people in southern city of Kiryat Malahi on November 15, 2012. The attack on Kiryat Malachi was claimed by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades in a statement on its website as tensions escalated between Israel and Gaza after the Israeli military carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas on November 14. AFP PHOTO/DAVID BUIMOVITCH (Photo credit should read DAVID BUIMOVITCH/AFP/Getty Images)

An Israeli reacts after a rocket launched from Gaza strip hit a building killing 3 people in the city of Kiryat Malachi on November 15, 2012. The attack on Kiryat Malachi was claimed by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades in a statement on its website as tensions escalated between Israel and Gaza after the Israeli military carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas on November 14. AFP PHOTO/DAVID BUIMOVITCH (Photo credit should read DAVID BUIMOVITCH/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian medics carry a wounded man into the al-shifa hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012. An Israeli strike that killed Hamas's top commander in Gaza is only 'the beginning' of an operation to target militant groups in the strip, a military spokeswoman said. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian medics carry a wounded baby into the al-shifa hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012. An Israeli strike that killed Hamas's top commander in Gaza is only 'the beginning' of an operation to target militant groups in the strip, a military spokeswoman said. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian men evacuate an elderly woman following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012 in Gaza City. A top Hamas commander was among seven people killed in more than 20 Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, as Israel began an operation targeting militant groups. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Jihad Masharawi weeps while he holds the body of his 11-month old son Ahmad, at Shifa hospital following an Israeli air strike on their family house, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. The Israeli military said its assassination of the Hamas military commander Ahmed Jabari, marks the beginning of an operation against Gaza militants. (Picture EYEVINE)

Jihad Masharawi weeps while he holds the body of his 11-month old son Ahmad, at Shifa hospital following an Israeli air strike on their family house, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. The Israeli military said its assassination of the Hamas military commander Ahmed Jabari, marks the beginning of an operation against Gaza militants. (AP Photo/Majed Hamdan)

A Palestinian boy holds a window pane taken from a damaged house hit in an Israeli strike, in Gaza City, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Israeli aircraft, tanks and naval gunboats pounded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and rocket salvoes thudded into southern Israel, as residents on both sides of the frontier holed up at home in anticipation of heavy fighting on the second day of Israel's offensive against Islamic militants. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

A Palestinian youth walks through a damaged apartment hit in an Israeli strike, in Gaza City ,Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Israeli aircraft, tanks and naval gunboats pounded the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and rocket salvoes thudded into southern Israel, as residents on both sides of the frontier holed up at home in anticipation of heavy fighting on the second day of Israel's offensive against Islamic militants. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

Palestinian youths evacuate an elderly man following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012 in Gaza City. A top Hamas commander was among seven people killed in more than 20 Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, as Israel began an operation targeting militant groups. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on a house in Gaza City, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza , prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/HOSAM SALEM (Photo credit should read HOSAM SALEM/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian medics wheel a wounded man into the al-shifa hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012. An Israeli strike that killed Hamas's top commander in Gaza is only 'the beginning' of an operation to target militant groups in the strip, a military spokeswoman said. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on a house in Gaza City, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza , prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/HOSAM SALEM (Photo credit should read HOSAM SALEM/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian civilians leave their houses following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012 in Gaza City. A top Hamas commander was among seven people killed in more than 20 Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, as Israel began an operation targeting militant groups. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian firefighters extinguish fire from the car of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. The top Hamas commander Ahmed al-Jaabari was killed in an Israeli air strike , medics and a Hamas source told . AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians extinguish fire from the car of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. The top Hamas commander Ahmed al-Jaabari was killed in an Israeli air strike , medics and a Hamas source told . AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian medics wheel a wounded boy into the al-shifa hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012. An Israeli strike that killed Hamas's top commander in Gaza is only 'the beginning' of an operation to target militant groups in the strip, a military spokeswoman said. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian firefighters extinguish fire from the car of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. The top Hamas commander Ahmed al-Jaabari was killed in an Israeli air strike , medics and a Hamas source told . AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians extinguish fire from the car of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. The top Hamas commander Ahmed al-Jaabari was killed in an Israeli air strike , medics and a Hamas source told . AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians extinguish fire from the car of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. The top Hamas commander Ahmed al-Jaabari was killed in an Israeli air strike , medics and a Hamas source told . AFP. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

GRAPHIC CONTENT Palestinian security forces wheel into a hospital the body of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after the car he was riding was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. The top Hamas commander Ahmed al-Jaabari was killed in an Israeli air strike , medics and a Hamas source told . AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

GRAPHIC CONTENT Palestinian men carry the body of baby to the al-shifa hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli air strike on 14 November 2012. An Israeli strike that killed Hamas's top commander in Gaza is only 'the beginning' of an operation to target militant groups in the strip, a military spokeswoman said. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian youths look inside a building where the body of Ahmaed Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, was brought to after the car he was riding was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. An Israeli air strike killed the senior Hamas military commander in Gaza City, prompting a furious response from militants who said it had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian men react as security forces wheel into a hospital the body of Ahmaed Jaabari (unseen), head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, after the car he was riding was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City on November 14, 2012. An Israeli air strike killed the senior Hamas military commander in Gaza City, prompting a furious response from militants who said it had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian youth walks amid destruction following an Israeli air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows Gaza City in the early hours of the morning with what appears to be warning statements released by Israeli military planes on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on Gaza, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on the northern Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza in the early morning in an operation which started on November 14 with the killing of top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on the northern Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza in the early morning in an operation which started on November 14 with the killing of top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians inspect an area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows a crater at a sport targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows destruction in a residential area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed building in an area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows smoke billowing from a spot targeted by an Israeli air strike inside the Gaza strip on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows a crater at a sport targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed building in an area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows destruction in a residential area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows an Israeli air force A-4N Skyhawk dropping a bomb over the Gaza strip on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows smoke billowing from a spot targeted by an Israeli air strike inside the Gaza strip on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched by Palestinian militants in Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians inspect an area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian man sits amid the rubble in his bombed house following an Israeli air strike on Gaza City on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian youth walks amid destruction following an Israeli air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian man inspects his damaged house following an Israeli air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian man points to a destroyed house following an Israeli air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian boy pushes his bycicle through the rubble in an area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows a rocket being launched from the Gaza strip into Israel on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched by Palestinian militants in Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian youth walks through a crater following an Israeli air strike on a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows a rocket being launched from the Gaza strip into Israel on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows a rocket being launched from the Gaza strip into Israel on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched by Palestinian militants in Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

An Israeli missile is launched from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva in response to a rocket launch from the nearby Palestinian Gaza Strip, on November 15, 2012. Israel yesterday killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

The Israeli military launch a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on Gaza, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

An Israeli missile is launched from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva in response to a rocket launch from the nearby Palestinian Gaza Strip, on November 15, 2012. Israel yesterday killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

The Israeli military launch a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern city of Beer Sheva into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on the northern Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza in the early morning in an operation which started on November 14 with the killing of top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on the northern Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza in the early morning in an operation which started on November 14 with the killing of top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows warning leaflets falling on the Gaza Strip dropped by Israeli military planes on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows a rocket being launched from the Gaza strip into Israel on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched by Palestinian militants in Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

The Israeli military launch a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern city of Beer Sheva into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

The Israeli military launch a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern Israeli city of Beer Sheva into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on Gaza, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

A general view shows Gaza City in the early hours of the morning with what appears to be warning statements released by Israeli military planes on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on Gaza, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

A picture taken from the southern Israeli town of Sderot shows smoke billowing from a spot targeted by the Israeli military inside the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. The UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza after Israel carried out more than 20 air strikes and sea artillery attacks on the Palestinian territory, killing the military commander for Hamas, which controls the territory. AFP PHOTO/JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Israelis prepare to spend the night in a shelter in the southern Israeli town of Netivot, which neighbors the Gaza Strip, after dozens of rockets fire from Gaza hit the area in retaliation of the assassination of top Hamas chief Ahmed Jaabari, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Israelis prepare to spend the night in a bomb shelter in the southern Israeli town of Netivot, neighboring the Gaza Strip, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on a house in Gaza City, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza , prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/HOSAM SALEM (Photo credit should read HOSAM SALEM/AFP/Getty Images)

Israelis sit outside a bomb shelter as they prepare to spend the night in it, in the southern Israeli town of Netivot, neighboring the Gaza Strip, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

A rocket is launched from Rafah, in the southern Gaza strip towards Israel, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted air strike in Gaza, prompting outrage from Palestinian militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO / SAID KHATIB (Photo credit should read SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinians try to extinguish fire following an Israeli air strike on November 14, 2012 in Gaza City. A top Hamas commander was among seven people killed in more than 20 Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, as Israel began an operation targeting militant groups. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Israeli children play as they prepare to spend the night in a shelter in the southern Israeli town of Netivot, which neighbors the Gaza Strip, after dozens of rockets fire from Gaza hit the area in retaliation of the assassination of top Hamas chief Ahmed Jaabari, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

An Israeli policeman inspects the site where a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip fell in the southern Israeli city of Beersheva, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/AMNON GUTMAN ==== ISRAEL OUT===== (Photo credit should read AMNON GUTMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

GRAPHIC CONTENT Palestinians carry the body of Ahmad Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, during his funeral in Gaza City, on November 15, 2012. The violence sparked a furious response from Egypt's Islamist administration, which has close ties with Gaza's ruling Hamas movement, with Cairo recalling its ambassador in protest at Israel's killing of Hamas military chief Ahmed Jaabari. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

An Israeli woman is evacuated following a rocket attack by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip in the southern Israeli city of Beersheva, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/AMNON GUTMAN ==== ISRAEL OUT===== (Photo credit should read AMNON GUTMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

A Palestinian boy pushes his bycicle through the rubble in an area targeted by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City in the early hours of November 15, 2012. Israel killed on November 14 top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari, followed by what Palestinians said were at least 60 Israeli air strikes in which several people were killed and wounded as the UN Security Council held a late night emergency meeting on escalating tensions. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images)

GRAPHIC CONTENT Palestinians carry the body of Ahmad Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, during his funeral in Gaza City, on November 15, 2012. The violence sparked a furious response from Egypt's Islamist administration, which has close ties with Gaza's ruling Hamas movement, with Cairo recalling its ambassador in protest at Israel's killing of Hamas military chief Ahmed Jaabari. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Israelis prepare to spend the night in a shelter in the southern Israeli town of Netivot, which neighbors the Gaza Strip, after dozens of rockets fire from Gaza hit the area in retaliation of the assassination of top Hamas chief Ahmed Jaabari, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted strike in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting outrage from militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Palestinian mourners carry the body of Ahmad Jaabari, head of the military wing of the Hamas movement, the Ezzedin Qassam Brigades, during his funeral in Gaza City, on November 15, 2012. Tensions between Israel and Gaza have sparked a furious response from Egypt's Islamist administration, which has close ties with the Palestinian territory's ruling Hamas movement, with Cairo recalling its ambassador in protest at Israel's killing of Jaabari on November 14. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP/Getty Images)

Columns of smoke rise following an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. Palestinian witnesses say Israeli airstrikes have hit a series of targets across Gaza City, shortly after the assassination of the top Hamas commander. Hamas security officials say two Hamas training facilities were among the targets in the Wednesday afternoon bombings. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

Palestinian medics wheel a wounded child into the treatment room of Shifa hospital following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. The Israeli military said its assassination of the Hamas military commander Ahmed Jabari, marks the beginning of an operation against Gaza militants. (AP Photo/Majed Hamdan)

A Palestinian relative carries a wounded girl into the treatment room of Shifa hospital following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. The Israeli military said its assassination of the Hamas military commander Ahmed Jabari, marks the beginning of an operation against Gaza militants. (AP Photo/Majed Hamdan)

Palestinian security forces wheel into a hospital the body of Ahmed Jabari, head of the Hamas military wing, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012. The Israeli military said its assassination of the Hamas military commander marks the beginning of an operation against Gaza militants. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)

A rocket is launched from Rafah, in the southern Gaza strip towards Israel, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted air strike in Gaza, prompting outrage from Palestinian militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO / SAID KHATIB (Photo credit should read SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images)

A rocket is launched from Rafah, in the southern Gaza strip towards Israel, on November 14, 2012. Israel killed a top Hamas military commander in a targeted air strike in Gaza, prompting outrage from Palestinian militants who said the Jewish state had opened 'the gates of hell.' AFP PHOTO / SAID KHATIB (Photo credit should read SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images)

The Israeli military launch a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern city of Beer Sheva into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012. Rockets were launched from Gaza into Israel amid a vast Israeli operation against Gaza militants which began on November 14 with the killing of a top Hamas chief along with ten other Palestinians. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA (Photo credit should read MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)